The tension between the secular residents and the Gur Chassidic community in the southern city of Arad has risen in recent weeks.
According to a Kikar Shabbos News report, that letters released by askanim reveal “A real war is going to be waged regarding the future character of the city and the needs of the chareidi tzibur” living in the southern city. Anti-religious activists responded to what they view to be a venomous campaign being waged by Gur.
The dispute escalated earlier this week after a resident called police on the grounds Gerre Chassidim had photographed him without obtaining permission. Police arrived in the chareidi are and tried to arrest avreichim who fled to the nearby shul, followed by police. Police followed, heading down to the basement of the shul building where they found Rav Tzvi Bialistotzky, one of the rabbonim of the kehillah.
It is explained that since the chassidim wear the same apparel, police were unable to identify the suspects among dozens of other avreichim present in the shul building. Hence, police left the building empty handed as insults were shouted at them.
Chassidim report that tensions are rising in the city once again, blaming the mayor, who is affiliated with the Yesh Atid party. City Hall continues to maintain it has never had an issue with any religious Jews in the city and the issue is that Gur is trying to take over and this will not be permitted. City Hall has always maintained there were no tensions in the city between secular and religious until Gerre arrived and has been trying to slowly take control over areas of the city and ultimately, envisions changing around the character of Arad.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
It is true, Ger really do think they own Arad and can define the character of the city both for the other Shomrei Torah u’Mitzvos residents and the non frum. However why did the police storm a Yeshiva building intent on arresting some amateur photographers?